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COMPLICITY IN EVIL

 

1. Definition of Terms

          A. Webster - "complicity" - "1. Partnership in wrong-doing 2. Fact or state of being an accomplice."

          B. Webster - "accomplice" - "A participant, confederate, an associate."

2. Does God's Word Condemn Complicity in Evil?

          A. Leviticus 20:1-5

                    1] Not reporting evil is equivalent to doing evil

                    2] Don't "hide your eyes" from evil

          B. 2 John 1:9-11

                    1] Aiding and abetting evil

                    2] Is allowing evil equivalent to doing evil?

          C. Matthew 27:22-26; Mark 15:9-15

                    1] Was Pilate guilty of Jesus' death?

                    2] Responsibility is a key concept

          D. Acts 7:58-60

                    1] Was Saul an accomplice?

                    2] Was Saul guilty of murder?

3. Prove, Hold, Abstain   (I Thessalonians 5:14-22)

          A. Unruly, disorderly - can't be ignored

          B. We MUST actively oppose evil.

          C. "Prove" = test as metals are tested in the fire

          D. Retain the things that pass the test.

          E. "Abstain from every appearance of evil."

4. "Ye are the Light of the World    (Matthew 5:13-16)

          A. We are to be the light in this dark world.

          B. Question - Will this position lead others to Christ?

5. Abhor Evil    (Romans 12:9)

          A. Can't be neutral between right and wrong

          B. Two Greek words for "hate"

                    1] Concealed or cherished hatred

                    2] Expressed hatred -

                              a) Word here = abhor, loath

                              b) An intense sentiment, openly expressed

6. Why Abstain from Every Form of Evil?

          A. Close to evil = distance from God.

                    1] Lose interest in spiritual things

                    2] They have an uneasy conscience

          B. Unfit for communion with God

          C. Separates us from God

          D. Evil renders us useless to God

          E. We become a servant of Satan   (Jn. 8:34)

          F. Evil dooms us to hell   (Rev. 21:8)

Conclusion:

A.              The true Christian is a nonconformist when conformity to popular practice is out of harmony with God's will for his life. We are not to be "conformed to this world."  (Rom. 12:1-2)

B.              Approval of the ways of the world is contrary to the Christian life. The Christian must constantly be on the alert, reading and studying the Word of God, ever remaining aware of Christ's standards, guarding against the defilement of his conscience and periodically examining his inner life and his motives.

C.              When the Christian way of life comes into conflict with the ways of the world, he must move courageously to oppose the very appearance of evil. Consent, conformity, or acquiescence to evil is as reprehensible in the sight of God as open espousal and transgression.


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